Easy Christmas Bread: Recipes, Tips, and Festive Ideas

Easy Christmas Bread, the star of any festive gathering, is about to become your new holiday baking tradition! Imagine the delighted faces of your loved ones as you present a beautifully braided loaf, its aroma filling the air with the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon and spice. This isn’t just bread; it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a delicious expression of holiday cheer.

While the exact origins of sweet, enriched breads baked during the Christmas season are difficult to pinpoint, many cultures have variations that symbolize good fortune and abundance for the coming year. From the Italian Panettone to the German Stollen, these breads are often filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, representing the richness of the harvest and the hope for a prosperous future. Our Easy Christmas Bread recipe draws inspiration from these traditions, offering a simplified yet equally satisfying version that anyone can master.

What makes this bread so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of a soft, slightly sweet dough, studded with festive dried cranberries and crunchy pecans. The braided design adds an elegant touch, making it a stunning addition to your Christmas table. But beyond its visual appeal, it’s the taste and texture that truly win people over. The subtle sweetness, the chewy cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of the nuts create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Plus, this recipe is designed for convenience, ensuring that even busy holiday bakers can create a show-stopping loaf with minimal effort. Let’s get baking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
• ¼ cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• For the Filling:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• For the Glaze:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Make sure the yeast is fresh for the best rise!
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. The milk temperature is crucial; too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. I always use a thermometer to be sure.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step. If using a mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off!) or a sunny spot works well. This rise is important for developing the flavor and texture of the bread.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will make it much easier to spread evenly over the dough.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until smooth and creamy. If you’re using nuts or dried fruit, stir them in now. I love the added texture and flavor they bring!

Assembling and Baking the Bread:

1. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible for a uniform bread.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the bread when you roll it up.
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
5. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
6. Cut the Bread: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12-15 slices. I find that using floss gives a cleaner cut.
7. Arrange in Pan: Place the slices cut-side up in the prepared pan. They should be close together but not overcrowded.
8. Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the slices have puffed up slightly.
9. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake the Bread: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
11. Cool Slightly: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting.

Preparing the Glaze:

1. Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth glaze.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
4. Add Liquid and Vanilla: Add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Frost the Bread: Spread the glaze evenly over the warm bread.

Tips for Success:

• Yeast Activation: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. To test if your yeast is active, combine it with warm water and a pinch of sugar. If it foams up after 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go!
• Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add flour gradually. If it’s too dry, add a little milk.
• Warm Place for Rising: A warm environment is crucial for the dough to rise properly. You can use a warm oven (turned off), a sunny spot, or even a proofing drawer if you have one.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry bread. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a toothpick.
• Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with different nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips. You can also add a citrus zest to the dough for extra flavor.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This Christmas bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. You can even warm it up slightly before serving for an extra treat!

Conclusion:

This Easy Christmas Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a shortcut to holiday happiness, a fragrant invitation to gather around the table and create lasting memories. I truly believe that once you experience the joy of baking and sharing this bread, it will become a cherished tradition in your own home, just as it has in mine. The simplicity of the recipe belies the incredible flavor and festive appeal. It’s the perfect project for bakers of all skill levels, from seasoned pros to complete beginners.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s more than just bread. It’s the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen, the warmth of the oven on a cold winter day, and the smiles on the faces of your loved ones as they savor each bite. It’s a delicious, edible expression of the holiday spirit, and it requires minimal effort to achieve maximum impact. Forget spending hours slaving away in the kitchen; this recipe allows you to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with family and friends.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This Easy Christmas Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a generous pat of butter for a simple yet satisfying treat. Or, get creative with your toppings! A drizzle of cream cheese frosting adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. A sprinkle of chopped nuts provides a delightful crunch. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Looking for variations? Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins to the dough for a burst of fruity flavor. Chocolate chips are always a welcome addition, especially for the chocolate lovers in your life. You could even experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to create your own unique flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swirling in a layer of Nutella or peanut butter before baking for an extra-special treat. You can also use different extracts like almond or orange to change the flavor profile.

Another great serving suggestion is to slice the bread and use it to make French toast. The spices and sweetness of the bread will infuse the French toast with a festive flavor that’s perfect for a holiday brunch. You can also cube the bread and use it to make bread pudding, another classic holiday dessert.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of homemade Easy Christmas Bread for yourself. I know you’ll love it as much as I do!

So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of holiday cheer. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences. Tag me on social media and let me know what variations you tried and how your family enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and happy holidays! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! I can’t wait to see your creations!